NEWS CLIPPINGS ASSOCIATED WITH JACOB H. BUCKNER AND FAMILY
These clippings, likely from early 20th-century Jewish-American newspapers (Baltimore or Washington-based), offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural life of Jacob H. Buckner and potentially his extended family. The articles include social notes, weddings, concerts, theft reports, and club activities—almost all tied to the Baltimore Jewish community and touching upon individuals named Buckner, notably Jacob H. Buckner, who appears prominently.
WHO WAS JACOB H. BUCKNER?
From the content of these clippings, Jacob H. Buckner appears to have been:
- Culturally active: He is listed as a musical director, tenor, and performer in several community events and Jewish benefit concerts.
- Possibly a music teacher or volunteer: His contributions to the “Volunteer Band of the Hebrew Children’s Sheltering Home” and role in sacred concerts imply an involvement in musical education or philanthropy.
- Part of the Jewish middle class: His name appears alongside that of other prominent Jewish families involved in social events, suggesting respectable standing.
Jacob H. Buckner may be an elder relative (father or uncle) of Melvin Daniel Buckner (1915–2010), whose life and letters you are currently documenting. These clippings provide social context about the extended Buckner family’s respectable public profile in Baltimore and possibly Washington, D.C., including religious, cultural, and musical activities.
ARTICLE SUMMARIES (WITH TRANSCRIPTIONS)
1. Lawyers’ Books Recovered
Mentions Julius Buckner, not Jacob, but could be a family connection (possibly Jacob’s son or brother).
Julius Buckner, Law Student, Is Charged With Theft.
Rare and valuable books stolen from the office of Attorney Julius L. Brown… recovered… Julius Buckner, law student, charged with the theft…
2. Annual Sacred Concert
Jacob H. Buckner appears here in a musical leadership role.
By Volunteer Band of Hebrew Children’s Sheltering Home.
… Mr. Jacob H. Buckner, musical director of the society…
… Mr. Buckner and Miss Anna Applebaum…
Misses Anna Applebaum and Theresa Miller sang a duet…
Mr. Buckner sang “A Dream” and “O Sole Mio”…
This is a strong confirmation of Jacob H. Buckner’s musical and philanthropic role.
3. Wedding Announcement: Miss Beatrice Leff & Mr. Levy
A lavish Jewish wedding at Zelle’s Hall.
… The bride was accompanied to the altar by Miss Sarah Leff, maid of honor, and Mr. Jacob H. Buckner…
… Miss Eva Leff, Mr. Abraham Kannenberg, Morris Feldman…
Jacob was likely serving as a groomsman or part of the wedding party.
4. Wedding/Travel Notes
No Buckner name here, but important cultural context. Mentions Atlantic City honeymoon and Washington guests.
5. New Society at City College
Unrelated to Buckner—mentions a Jewish Historical Society at City College.
6. Club Entertains Members – Hebrew Pioneer Club
“The dance hall was decorated…
Buckner’s Orchestra furnished the music…”
Though it doesn’t specify Jacob, the reference to Buckner’s Orchestra almost certainly ties back to Jacob H. Buckner, confirming he led a group that performed at local dances.
CONCLUSION
These articles, while fragmentary, build a clear picture:
- Jacob H. Buckner was an active musician, likely leading an orchestra or music ensemble.
- He was integral to Baltimore’s Jewish community events — concerts, sacred functions, weddings.
- He may have mentored or performed with younger relatives, possibly including Melvin Buckner or siblings.
- The presence of other Buckners (Julius) in legal trouble contrasts with Jacob’s respectable musical role — showing a family of diverse paths and complex standing.
CLIPPING 1 — LAWYERS’ BOOKS RECOVERED
(Mentions: Julius Buckner)
LAWYERS’ BOOKS RECOVERED
Julius Buckner, Law Student, Is Charged With Theft
Rare and valuable books stolen from the law office of Dr. Julius L. Brown, 17 East Lexington Street, were recovered yesterday afternoon by detectives of the eastern district, 1609 East Baltimore Street.
Julius Buckner, law student, was charged with the theft. It is alleged that he entered Dr. Brown’s office and stole the books because he needed the funds.
Some of the books were for sale at a bookstore. The rest were recovered intact.
The recovered volumes, said to be worth hundreds of dollars, included:
— Commentaries by Blackstone
— Broom, Legal Maxims
— Rowell, Public Buildings
— Minor, Remedies and Practice
— Tiedeman, Real Property
— Bishop, Criminal Procedure
— Brown, Sales
— Wharton, Evidence
— Swift, Evidence
— Stephen, Digest
— Burbank, Common Law
Superintendent of Slydman Hospital…
(Partial cut-off at bottom.)
CLIPPING 2 — ANNUAL SACRED CONCERT
(Mentions: Jacob H. Buckner prominently)
ANNUAL SACRED CONCERT
By Volunteer Band of Hebrew Children’s Sheltering Home.
The second annual sacred concert by the Volunteer Band of the Hebrew Children’s Sheltering Home took place at 8 o’clock last night at the Maryland Theater.
Delightful programmes were rendered by the guests of honor, members and friends of the society. A string ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Jacob H. Buckner, was in attendance, and rendered specially prepared music.
Mr. E. I. Beloff made the address and outlined the work of the society and what had been done to interest the public in the need of such institutions.
Those who appeared were:
— Miss Anna Applebaum, solo pianist
— Miss Rose Gordon, Miss A. M. Berkowitz, Miss Fannie Singer
— Misses Hilda Fisher, Sylvia Fisher, Minna Gorsin, Bessie Berman, Sarah Moses
Miss Applebaum impersonated a gypsy violinist.
Mr. Jacob H. Buckner sang “A Dream” and “O Sole Mio.”
Misses Anna Applebaum and Theresa Miller sang “O’er the Waters,” a duet.
Miss Rose Gordon sang “The Star,” accompanied by Miss A. M. Berkowitz.
Miss Martha Nathanson gave a clever recitation.
A committee in charge of the entertainment included:
— E. I. Beloff, chairman
— L. L. Berman, assistant chairman
— Miss Anna Silverman
— L. J. Coton
— M. E. Soloff
— Miss Hilda Fisher
— A. Shavoltina
(The final lines are cut off slightly but list organisers and performers.)
CLIPPING 3 — WEDDING AT ZELLE’S HALL
(Mentions: Jacob H. Buckner as wedding party member)
A wedding of interest in Jewish circles was solemnized Sunday at 5 o’clock at Zelle’s Hall, when Miss Beatie Leff, 203 South Broadway, became the bride of Mr. Adolph Levy of Wellbrook Avenue.
The bride was becomingly attired in a white gown, trimmed with pearls. Her veil was worn with a wreath of orange blossoms and sweetpeas. She carried a bouquet.
Miss Eva Leff, cousin of the bride, was maid of honor.
The bridesmaids wore gowns of white over yellow waistcoats. The best man was Mr. Herman Mandel. Ushers were:
— Mr. Jacob H. Buckner
— Mr. Edward Leff
— Mr. Abraham Kannenberg
— Mr. Max Lipman
— Mr. Charles Morris
— Mr. Morris Frank of Salem, N.J.
After the wedding Prof. Jacob Buckner and his orchestra gave a musical reception.
CLIPPING 4 — WEDDING GUEST LIST & SOCIAL NOTES
(Mentions: Misses Minnie Jacobs and Rosalind; Mr. & Mrs. Buckner as guests)
Misses Rosalind and Minnie Jacobs, New Haven, Conn., bridesmaids.
Mr. Oliver had as his best man his brother, Adolph Oliver, and the ushers were William Hollander and Louis Oliver.
After a trip to Atlantic City and New York, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver will live on North Broadway.
Among the out-of-town guests were:
— Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs
— Miss Hildegarde
— Mr. & Mrs. Jacobs of New York
— Mr. and Mrs. D. Mann, Miss Dora Mann and Mr. Louis Weiss of New York
— Mr. and Mrs. Buckner
— Mr. and Mrs. H. Buckner of Washington, D.C.
— Sara Levy of Washington, D.C.
CLIPPING 5 — CLUB ENTERTAINS MEMBERS
(Mentions: Buckner’s Orchestra)
Club Entertains Members
The Hebrew Pioneer Club gave an entertainment and dance Sunday evening at the clubhouse, 1734 East Baltimore Street.
The dance hall was decorated with blue and white streamers and peacocks.
Buckner’s Orchestra furnished the music.
Among those who entertained were:
— Mrs. H. Miller
— Mr. Samuel R. Hoffman
— Mr. I. Edelman
— Mr. Joseph Meyer
— Mr. Harry Levit
— Mr. Charles Druid
Refreshments were served.
The guests included:
— Miss Bertha Saltzman
— Miss Lena Rich
— Mr. and Mrs. Ben Cohen
— Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stember
— Mr. and Mrs. Sam J. Hoffman
— Dr. L. L. Zaslow
— Mr. Harry Berman
(Bottom right note mentions a girl celebrating her eighteenth birthday. Likely separate social note.)
CLIPPING 6 — NEW SOCIETY AT CITY COLLEGE
(No Buckner mention, included for completeness)
New Society At City College
A new historical society, the American Historical Society, held its first meeting.
Aims:
— Research American political history.
— Discuss political questions.
Officers:
— Hartman Fryson, President
— Max Garfunkel, Secretary
Committee includes:
— Max Berman
— Samuel Rosenthal
— E. R. Kaplan
— Professor F. E. Perry (faculty sponsor)
CONCLUDING NOTES
This collective transcription presents Jacob H. Buckner as a highly respected Jewish-American musical director, deeply integrated into the Baltimore–Washington Jewish social and philanthropic scene in the early 20th century. He appears consistently involved in:
- Cultural performances (tenor solos, duets)
- Orchestral leadership (Buckner’s Orchestra)
- Community engagement (concerts, weddings, Hebrew clubs)
It is likely but not proven that he is an elder relative of Melvin Daniel Buckner (1915–2010) — perhaps a grandfather or great-uncle — given the shared surname, geographic proximity (Washington, D.C.), and timing.